From stabilizing demand to rising costs and smarter use of technology, industry leaders share what owners and operators should expect in the year ahead.
————
After five consecutive years of record-setting demand, the golf industry is entering a more measured phase. Participation remains elevated, private club interest is strong, and capital continues to flow into the sector, but the pace of growth is beginning to level off. Heading into 2026, owners and operators are shifting from riding momentum to refining strategy, with sharper focus on loyalty, labor pressures, technology adoption and the long-term value of the golfer experience.
To understand what comes next, Golf Inc. spoke with leaders across management, ownership and technology about the signals they are watching and the decisions shaping the year ahead.
Demand: Still high, finally stabilizing
Executives across the industry say demand remains historically strong, even as growth moderates.
“As we all know, demand has grown to record levels each of the past five years,” said Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports. “I see the year-over-year growth rate slowing as we have reached historically high levels but believe we will still see growth with many new players, such as women and youth participants entering the game.”
Jim Oliver, chief operating officer of Heritage Golf Group, pointed to data supporting that outlook.
“The big picture: demand is stabilizing at a high level,” Oliver said. “NGF data shows rounds are still running well above pre-COVID norms, even with a slight dip early in 2025. Participation remains elevated and private membership interest continues to perform.”
At the same time, Oliver said golfer behavior is changing.
“At Heritage, we’re seeing strong underlying demand but more selective behavior,” he said. “Some markets softened with weather or economic pressure, but broadly, we’re settling into a sustainable, post-COVID surge baseline.”
From momentum to strategy
Several operators emphasized that 2026 will reward discipline more than scale.
“The rising tide has peaked,” said Jim Hinckley, CEO of Century Golf Partners. “The golf industry has enjoyed a strong five-year surge in demand and spending. That rising tide appears to have peaked, and we should expect a steady-state environment going forward.”
Growth, Hinckley said, will come from execution rather than market tailwinds.
“Facilities can no longer rely on momentum,” he said. “Going forward, it…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Inc….